Optical Adjustment Knob Auto-Locking at the Home Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking adjustment mechanisms for optical and electrical devices, such as riflescopes, are complex and costly, and require significant squeezing pressure to unlock, making fine adjustments difficult and prone to inadvertent rotation.
Innovation Solution
A locking adjustment device with a rotatable knob that automatically locks in a home position, featuring a catch mechanism and a lock-release mechanism to prevent unintended rotation, along with an indicator unit and biasing element for feedback, allowing manual rotation only when the catch is released.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an automatically locking adjustment device with buttons is used, then the device prevents inadvertent rotation, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from a complex multi-button system and implements it through a simple catch mechanism that automatically engages with the knob at predetermined positions. This catch mechanism is integrated into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate locking components while maintaining the prevention of inadvertent rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch mechanism automatically locks the knob at predetermined rotational positions without requiring user intervention. The spring-loaded catch self-engages with the knob's engagement features, providing automatic locking and unlocking functionality that simplifies the overall device structure while ensuring reliable prevention of inadvertent rotation.
2Reliability
If significant squeezing pressure is required to unlock the knob, then the knob remains securely locked, but fine rotation adjustments become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a spring-loaded catch mechanism that dynamically adjusts the locking force. The spring provides sufficient pressure to maintain secure locking during normal operation, but allows easy release when the knob is rotated to predetermined positions. This dynamic mechanism enables fine rotation adjustments without requiring significant squeezing pressure, as the catch automatically disengages at the correct positions.
3Extent of automation
If a catch mechanism with spring is used, then automatic locking is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the catch mechanism, spring, and housing structure into an integrated assembly. The catch is positioned within the housing and works in conjunction with the knob's engagement features, eliminating the need for separate locking components. This merging reduces the number of parts and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining automatic locking functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides expedient feedback and secure locking, simplifying adjustments while minimizing inadvertent rotation, thus enhancing user control and reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element operatively associated with the indicator unit to urge movement of the indicator unit
Data Source
AI summary
A locking adjustment device for adjusting a setting of an aimed optical device, such as a riflescope, locks at a home or baseline position to provide expedient feedback regarding an adjustment position of the adjustable setting. The device includes a knob mountable for rotation about a rotational axis when the adjustment device is installed on the aimed optical device, where the knob is rotatable about the rotational axis. The device further includes a catch that automatically locks the knob in the home or baseline position and prevents further rotation of the knob until the catch is released. A lock-release mechanism carried by the knob is manually actuable to disengage the catch and allow the knob to be manually rotated away from the locked position.